Page 112 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 110
*
[SS11900( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Children should always ride with the
seatback in the fully upright position.
*
[SS12000( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Never let a passenger hold a child on his
or her lap wh Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 110
*
[SS11900( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Children should always ride with the
seatback in the fully upright position.
*
[SS12000( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Never let a passenger hold a child on his
or her lap wh](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-111.png)
110
*
[SS11900( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Children should always ride with the
seatback in the fully upright position.
*
[SS12000( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Never let a passenger hold a child on his
or her lap while the vehicle is moving.
The passenger cannot protect the child
from injury in a collision.
*
[SS12100( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Lock the doors of your vehicle before
driving to lessen the risk of the door
coming open in a collision.
%
*
[SS12200( ALL)02/96]
Combination Lap and Shoulder
Belts
*
[SS12300( ALL)12/95]
While your vehicle is in motion, the combination
lap and shoulder belt adjusts to your movement.
However, if you brake hard, corner hard or if
your vehicle receives an impact of 5 mph
(8 km/h) or more, the lap and shoulder belt
locks and helps reduce your forward movement.
*
[SS12400( ALL)01/96]
After you get into your vehicle, close the door
and lock it. Then adjust the seat to the position
that suits you best.
[SS12600( ALL)12/95]
To fasten the belt,pull the lap/shoulder belt
from the retractor so that the shoulder portion of
the belt crosses your shoulder and chest. Be sure
the belt is not twisted. If it is, remove the twist.
Insert the belt tongue into the proper buckle
until you hear a snap and feel it latch. Make
sure the tongue is securely fastened in the
buckle.
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Page 150 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 149
*
[TO04300( ALL)01/96]
To turn the heater on, simply plug it into a
grounded 110-volt outlet. Ford recommends that
you use a 110-volt circuit that is protected by a
ground fault circuit interrupte Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 149
*
[TO04300( ALL)01/96]
To turn the heater on, simply plug it into a
grounded 110-volt outlet. Ford recommends that
you use a 110-volt circuit that is protected by a
ground fault circuit interrupte](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-149.png)
149
*
[TO04300( ALL)01/96]
To turn the heater on, simply plug it into a
grounded 110-volt outlet. Ford recommends that
you use a 110-volt circuit that is protected by a
ground fault circuit interrupter.
*
[TO04400( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
To prevent electrical shock, do not use
your heater with ungrounded electrical
systems or two-pronged (cheater) adapters.
*
[TO04500( ALL)01/96]
For best results, plug the heater in at least three
hours before you start your vehicle. Using the
heater for longer than three hours will not
damage the engine, so you can plug it in at
night to start your vehicle the following
morning.
*
[TO04600( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: Be sure to disconnect the engine block
heater before driving your vehicle.
*
[TO04700( ALL)12/95]
Guarding Against Exhaust Fumes
*
[TO04800( ALL)01/96]
Carbon monoxide, although colorless and
odorless, is present in exhaust fumes. Take
precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
*
[TO04900( ALL)02/96]
RWARNING
Do not start your vehicle in a closed
garage or in other enclosed areas. Exhaust
fumes can be toxic. Always open the
garage door before you start the engine.
*
[TO05000( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you smell exhaust fumes inside your
vehicle, have your dealer inspect your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you
smell exhaust fumes.
File:08rctoc.ex
Update:Thu May 30 10:28:08 1996
Page 163 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 162
*
[GF11700( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is latched in P
(Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
*
[GF11800( ALL)05/96] Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 162
*
[GF11700( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is latched in P
(Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
*
[GF11800( ALL)05/96]](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-162.png)
162
*
[GF11700( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Always set the parking brake fully and
make sure the gearshift is latched in P
(Park). Turn off the ignition whenever you
leave your vehicle.
*
[GF11800( ALL)05/96]
RWARNING
Never leave your vehicle unattended
while it is running.
*
[GF12000(MBC )12/95]
You can tell a console-mounted gearshift is
securely latched in P (Park) if the lever is
adjacent to the P (Park) and you cannot move it
without pushing in the thumb button.
%
*
[GF15500( ALL)01/96]
Driving With a Heavy Load
*
[GF15600( ALL)01/96]
There are limits to the amount of weight your
vehicle can carry or tow. The total weight of
your vehicle, plus the weight of the passengers
and cargo, should never be more than the Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Also, the weight
that your vehicle carries over the front axle and
rear axle should never be more than the Gross
Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for the respective
axle.
% [GF15700( ALL)12/95]
You can find your vehicle's GVWR and GAWR
on the Safety Compliance Certification Label on
the left front door lock facing or the door latch
post pillar.
*
[GF15800( ALL)01/96]
The weight limits of your vehicle's tires affect
the GVWR or GAWR limitations. Usage of
replacement tires with higher weight limits than
originals does not increase GVWR or GAWR.
Usage of lower capacity replacement tires may
lower GVWR and GAWR limitations.
File:09rcgfc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:26:27 1996
Page 233 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 233
*
[MC28900( ALL)01/96]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or
if the law requires them where you live. If you
choose to use chains on your vehicles tires, be
aware of the following:
*
[M Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 233
*
[MC28900( ALL)01/96]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or
if the law requires them where you live. If you
choose to use chains on your vehicles tires, be
aware of the following:
*
[M](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-232.png)
233
*
[MC28900( ALL)01/96]
Use chains on the tires only in an emergency or
if the law requires them where you live. If you
choose to use chains on your vehicle's tires, be
aware of the following:
*
[MC29000( ALL)01/96]
q
Make sure the chains are the right size for
your tires. Use only SAE Class ªSº chains.
Other types may damage your vehicle.
*
[MC29200( ALL)01/96]
q
Put the chains on tightly with the ends held
down securely. Verify that no chain touches
any wiring, brake lines, or fuel lines. Follow
the chain manufacturer's instructions.
*
[MC29300( ALL)01/96]
q
Drive slowly. If you can hear the chains rub
or bang against your vehicle, stop the vehicle
and tighten the chains. If you continue to
hear the chains rub or bang against your
vehicle, remove the chains to prevent damage
to your vehicle.
*
[MC29400( ALL)01/96]
q
Avoid fully loading your vehicle if possible.
*
[MC29500( ALL)01/96]
q
Remove tire chains at the first opportunity
after using them on snow and ice. Do not use
the chains on dry roads.
%
*
[MC29600( ALL)01/96]
Filling the Fuel Tank
*
[MC29800(MBC )12/95]
The fuel door is outside the car on the passenger
side near the back. To fill the fuel tank:
*
[MC29900( ALL)01/96]
1. After opening the fuel filler door, remove
the cap carefully and slowly by turning it
counterclockwise 1/2 to 3/4 turn.
*
[MC30000( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
The fuel system may be under pressure. If
the fuel cap is venting vapor or if you
hear a hissing sound, wait until it stops
before completely removing the cap.
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996
Page 234 of 308
![Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 234
*
[MC30100( ALL)01/96]
2. Put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel
filler pipe before pumping the fuel.
*
[MC30200( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of
your vehicle, clean it o Mercury Mercury Cougar 1997 Owners Manuals 234
*
[MC30100( ALL)01/96]
2. Put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel
filler pipe before pumping the fuel.
*
[MC30200( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of
your vehicle, clean it o](/manual-img/33/10905/w960_10905-233.png)
234
*
[MC30100( ALL)01/96]
2. Put the nozzle all the way inside the fuel
filler pipe before pumping the fuel.
*
[MC30200( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If you spill any fuel on the body of
your vehicle, clean it off immediately.
The fuel may dull or soften the paint
if you do not wash it off.
%*
[MC30300( ALL)03/96]
3. Replace the fuel cap completely when you
are finished. Turn it clockwise 1/4 turn until
it is tight. It will click when it is fully
tightened.
*
[MC30400( ALL)01/96]
4. Push the fuel door closed.
%*
[MC30500( ALL)01/96]
RWARNING
If you do not use the proper fuel cap, the
pressure in the fuel tank can damage the
fuel system or cause it to work improperly
in a collision.
*
[MC30600( ALL)01/96]
NOTE: If you replace your fuel cap with an
aftermarket fuel filler cap, the customer
warranty may be void for any damage
to the fuel tank and/or fuel system.
%*
[MC30700( ALL)01/96]
Choosing the Right Fuel
*
[MC30801( ALL)05/96]
Use only UNLEADED FUEL. The use of leaded
fuel is prohibited by law and could damage
your vehicle. The damage may not be covered
by your warranty.
*
[MC30901( ALL)05/96]
Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel
containing manganese-based additives such as
MMT. Additionally, vehicles certified to
California emission standards (indicated on the
underhood Vehicle Emissions Control
Information label) are designed to operate on
California reformulated gasolines. If California
reformulated gasoline is not available when you
File:11rcmcc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:27:52 1996
Page 299 of 308

Index 307
Lamps (continued)
flashing the lamps........... 76
hazard flashers............. 78
headlamps............... 68
high beams.............. 75
high-mount brakelamp........ 246
illuminated entry system........ 91
illuminated mirrors........... 89
instrument panel, dimming....... 71
interior lamps............. 71
replacing bulbs............ 243
trailer................ 167
Lane change indicator (see Turn signal) . . . 74
Lap belts................ 117
Lights, warning and indicator
airbag................. 13
anti-lock brakes (ABS).......... 11
anti-theft................ 16
brake................. 10
charging system............ 14
door ajar................ 18
engine oil pressure........... 18
hazard warning light.......... 78
high beam............... 16
low coolant.............. 13
low fuel................ 19
low washer fluid............ 20
oil pressure.............. 18
overdrive off.............. 14
safety belt............... 12
service engine soon........... 16
theft system.............. 16
turn signal indicator.......... 17
Load limits............... 162
GAWR................ 162
GVWR................ 162
trailer towing............. 164
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:28:38 1996
Page 301 of 308

Index 309
P
Panic alarm feature, remote entry system . 100
Parking brake.............. 152
operation.............. 152
warning light.............. 10
Parts (see Motorcraft Parts)....... 253
PCV valve, specifications........ 253
Power distribution box (see Fuses).... 171
Power door locks............. 90
Power features
door locks............... 90
mirrors................ 93
moon roof............... 85
seats................. 106
windows................ 92
Power steering
dipstick............... 220
driving with power steering...... 156
fluid, checking and adding...... 220
fluid, refill capacity.......... 254
fluid, specifications.......... 255
servicing............... 156
R
Radio (see Electronic sound systems).... 25
Rear axle
lubricant specification......... 255
refill capacity............. 254
Rearview mirror............. 88
Rear window............... 92
defroster................ 66
washer reservoir........... 212
Refill capacities for fluids........ 254
Relays................. 171
Remote control, trunk........... 72
Remote entry system........... 99
locking/unlocking doors....... 100
opening the trunk.......... 100
File:rcixc.ex
Update:Mon Jun 3 09:28:38 1996